At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sponsorship sales and build relationships across exciting live events.
- Company: Join MARI, a global leader in live experiences and events.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible time off, wellness programmes, and a pension match.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to shaping culture and driving change.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the vibrant world of sports, art, and entertainment.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in high-value sponsorship deals and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About MARI Group
MARI is a global events and experiences company powering world-defining live experiences. Our portfolio of premium live properties spans sports, art, and entertainment — including the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments, Frieze (a leading voice in contemporary art), and Barrett-Jackson (the premium U.S. collector car auction company). MARI also includes TodayTix Group, the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences, connecting millions of customers with the best in live entertainment. MARI is reshaping the live events landscape — building a growing portfolio of category-defining events and brands that set the standard for what's next, across sports, entertainment, art, and lifestyle.
At MARI, you'll work alongside people who are passionate, curious, and driven — people who believe that live experiences have the power to shape culture, and who care about the work, the mission, and each other. We welcome outstanding applicants of all backgrounds and encourage everyone to apply.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Director for Sponsorship sales at MARI. This senior commercial role will focus on maximising sponsorship sales by creating new relationships and opportunities across the MARI Events Arts and Entertainment portfolio specifically Hampton Court Palace Festival, Blenheim Palace Music Festival, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and Glide Ice Rink. Working closely with Senior Management and Event Directors, your work will directly impact and drive revenue for the UK portfolio of events. This is a permanent role and qualified candidates will be based out of our London offices. You'll be part of a team that values both connection and flexibility.
What Success Looks Like:
- Commercial leadership and delivery of sponsorship revenue across portfolio
- Ensuring annual sponsorship targets are reached/exceeded for the divisions in question.
- Delivery of new sponsors to the portfolio
- Management and retention of existing sponsors
- Identify and exhaust alternative revenue streams
- Build new brand relationships each year
What You'll Own:
- Drive sponsorship sales by creating new relationships and opportunities across the MARI Events portfolio including Hampton Court Palace Festival, Blenheim Palace Music Festival, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and Glide Ice Rink.
- Consistently identify target brands and generate face-to-face/virtual meetings to establish new client relationships.
- Create and deliver sponsorship presentations using existing templates.
- Perform contractual negotiations with clients through to signature.
- Support and work closely with Senior Management and Event Directors to ensure commercial partnerships are in keeping with the event content.
- Maximise all potential revenue to achieve/exceed event targets.
- Work with sponsorship account managers to ensure successful delivery of contract and work towards renewal.
- Work collaboratively with the wider MARI sales team to help teach and support.
- Ensure that all pipeline and deals are reported and up to date on the CRM system.
- Maintain a good knowledge of competitor events and relevant sponsorships.
- Weekly/Monthly forecasting and reporting to senior divisional management within Strategic Partnerships.
- Management of internal stakeholders across marketing, events, operations, sales, and account management.
What You Bring:
- A proven track record delivering high value sponsorship deals and generating commercial revenue experience is required, ideally in an events environment working across multiple properties.
- A good knowledge and understanding of brands and how they buy sponsorship and the start to end sales process.
- A black book of current up to date brand relationships and knowledge of trends.
- Experience of face-to-face meetings, presentation creation, and proposal writing.
- Knowledge of lifestyle, sports, arts, and entertainment brand landscape.
- A strong proven leadership abilities both commercial and soft skills are required.
- An understanding of digital media and how it can be commercialised.
- Ability to network and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Team player with a positive and proactive outlook and ability to understand all elements of the event portfolio.
- Ability to handle pressure, remain professional and stay calm when dealing with difficult situations.
- Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to manage up as well as down.
- Ability to plan and execute a yearly sales cycle for multiple Events.
Benefits
Here are some of the Benefits and Perks offered at MARI Group:
- Pension match and access to a bespoke pension scheme
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced gyms, wellness and financial wellbeing apps access via Wellhub
- Flexible Paid Time Off
MARI believes in the power of live experiences to unite people — and we know that can only be achieved when we reflect the full diversity of the world around us. As a global company that shapes culture across sports, art, and entertainment, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and to practicing anti-discrimination across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and beyond. We recognise that systemic inequality and discrimination remain challenges across the events and entertainment industry, and we are dedicated to driving meaningful progress — both within our own organisation and across the wider industry we are proud to be part of.
Senior Director, Global Partnerships (MARI) employer: Mari Group
MARI Group is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture, fostering creativity and collaboration among passionate individuals dedicated to reshaping the live events landscape. Based in London, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, a comprehensive pension scheme, and wellness programmes, all while having the opportunity to drive impactful sponsorship sales across prestigious events like the Hampton Court Palace Festival and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, MARI not only values its employees but also empowers them to grow and thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Global Partnerships (MARI)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up prepared! When you land an interview or a meeting, make sure you know your stuff. Research MARI Group, understand their events, and come armed with ideas on how you can drive sponsorship sales. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MARI team and being part of something special in the live events space.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Global Partnerships (MARI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Director role. Highlight your experience in sponsorship sales and how it aligns with MARI's mission. We want to see how you can bring value to our events!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate how you've exceeded sponsorship targets or built successful partnerships in the past. This will help us see your potential impact at MARI.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for passionate and driven individuals who care about live experiences. Share your story and what motivates you to work in this exciting industry!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the MARI team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mari Group
✨Know Your Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into MARI's events portfolio. Familiarise yourself with the Hampton Court Palace Festival, Blenheim Palace Music Festival, and others. Being able to discuss these events and their unique selling points will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Bring your 'black book' to the table! Highlight your existing brand relationships and how they can benefit MARI. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully leveraged these connections in past roles to drive sponsorship sales.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since you'll be performing contractual negotiations, prepare for potential scenarios you might face. Think about how you would handle difficult clients or pushback on pricing. Demonstrating your negotiation skills will be crucial in showcasing your fit for this senior role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
MARI values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in previous roles. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues across different departments, like marketing and operations, to achieve common goals. This will highlight your ability to integrate well within their team.
